System for Containing and Dispensing a Liquid, and Method for Pouring Ethanol from a Jar

ABSTRACT

A liquid dispensing system is provided. The liquid is preferably a grain-based distilled spirit. The system comprises a liquid container such as a Mason jar having a two-piece lid. The system also has a circular pouring cap. The pouring cap has at least two through-openings punched through the pouring cap. The circular pouring cap has a diameter dimensioned to enclose the open upper end of the jar and to be sealed between a screw-type ring and the upper end. In this way, the blank circular cap and the circular pouring cap are interchangeable. The system may also have at least two corks. The corks are dimensioned to be frictionally received within the at least two through-openings. In this way, the through-openings are selectively sealed. A method for pouring an alcoholic liquid from a Mason jar is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.61/698,080, dated Sep. 7, 2012.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to liquid containers and dispensers. Morespecifically, the invention relates to a system for containing anddispensing a liquid such as ethanol, and a method for dispensing ethanolor other liquid.

2. Technology in the Field of the Invention

It is a Southern tradition to drink liquids such as “sweet tea” from aso-called Mason jar. Mason jars are typically clear jars that are usedfor canning and storing food. Mason jars are particularly popular forthose seeking to can home-grown fruits and vegetables.

The typical Mason jar is a molded glass jar wherein the upper end, ormouth, has screw threads on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring(or “band”). The band, when screwed down, presses a separatestamped-steel, disc-shaped lid against the rim of the jar. An integralrubber ring on the underside of the lid creates a hermetic seal to thejar. The bands and lids usually come with new jars, and bands and lidsare also sold separately. While the bands are reusable, the lids areintended for single use when canning.

Mason jars are commonly made of soda-lime glass. They may have a 2⅜ inch(60 mm) or wide 3 inch (76 mm) mouth diameter. They come in a variety ofsizes including cup (half-pint), pint, quart, and half-gallon.

The most common U.S. brands of Mason jars are Ball and Kerr. Both ofthese brands are now part of the Jarden corporation based in Rye, N.Y.

According to Southern lore, “bootlegged” whisky, that is, home-stilledgrain sold without license or without accounting to the Internal RevenueService, was distributed in and/or consumed from Mason jars. Recently,some states such as Tennessee have created laws opening up the abilityof companies to manufacture and sell distilled spirits. An example ofsuch as a law is the amended Tennessee Code §§57-3-202 and 57-3-203passed in 2009 and 2011.

It is desirable under the new law to “can” and sell licensed distilledspirits, that is, beverages containing ethanol, in Mason jars. However,pouring any beverage from a Mason jar can be messy for the consumer dueto the enlarged rim at the mouth of the jar. Therefore, what is neededis a system for containing and dispensing ethanol or other liquid usinga liquid container having a two-piece lid. Further, a need exists for amethod of pouring ethanol or other liquid from a Mason jar.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A liquid dispensing system is first provided herein. The liquid ispreferably a grain-based distilled spirit containing ethanol. Examplesinclude vodka, bourbon, corn mash whisky, and so-called “moonshine” or“white lightnin'.”

The system first comprises a liquid container. The liquid container hasan open upper end forming a mouth. The liquid container further hasexternal threads at the mouth. Preferably, the liquid container is aso-called Mason jar having the enlarged rim.

The system also has a screw-type ring, or band. The ring is dimensionedto be threadedly fastened or screwed onto the external threads of thejar.

The system further includes a blank circular cap. The cap serves as alid for the Mason jar. The cap has a diameter dimensioned to enclose theopen upper end of the jar, and to be sealed between the screw-type ringand the upper end.

The system also has a circular pouring cap. The pouring cap has at leasttwo through-openings punched through the pouring cap. The circularpouring cap also has a diameter dimensioned to enclose the open upperend of the jar and to be sealed between the screw-type ring and theupper end. In this way, the blank circular cap and the circular pouringcap are interchangeable.

The system optionally also has at least two corks. The corks aredimensioned to be frictionally received within the at least twothrough-openings. In this way, the through-openings are selectivelysealed.

A method for pouring an alcoholic liquid from a Mason jar is alsoprovided herein. The Mason jar has an open upper end with externalthreads, a screw-type ring for threading onto the external threads, anda blank circular cap having a diameter dimensioned to enclose the openupper end. The circular cap is designed to be sealed between thescrew-type ring and the upper end when the ring is screwed down onto theexternal threads at the mouth of the Mason jar.

The method first includes providing a Mason jar. The Mason jar is asdescribed above.

The method also includes providing a circular pouring cap. The pouringcap has at least two through-openings punched through the pouring cap.The circular pouring cap also has a diameter dimensioned to enclose theopen upper end of the jar and to be sealed between the screw-type ringand the upper end. In this way, the blank circular cap and the circularpouring cap are interchangeable.

The method further comprises providing corks. The corks are dimensionedto be frictionally received within the at least two through-openings forselectively sealing the through-openings.

It is preferred that the through-openings are on opposite sides of thepouring cap.

The method also includes placing the circular pouring cap and the corksinto a bag. The method then includes providing the bag for the Mason jarfor retail sale. Preferably, the bag with the circular pouring caps andthe corks are attached to the Mason jar for retail sale.

In one aspect, the method also includes the steps of:

-   -   unscrewing the screw-type ring from the upper end of the Mason        jar;    -   removing the blank circular cap from the upper end of the Mason        jar;    -   placing the circular pouring cap onto the upper end of the Mason        jar;    -   screwing the screw-type ring onto the upper end of the Mason        jar; and    -   pouring the ethanol from the Mason jar and through one of the        through-openings into a beverage container.

The method may further include drinking the ethanol from the beveragecontainer. Thereafter, the corks may be secured in the through-openingsfor later use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the present invention can be betterunderstood, certain illustrations, charts and/or flow charts areappended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawingsillustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are thereforenot to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit toother equally effective embodiments and applications.

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a Mason jar having atwo-piece lid.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of an interchangeable pouring cap of thepresent invention, in one embodiment. Corks are shown exploded away fromthe cap.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag as may be used as a package forholding the pouring cap and corks of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 is a view of a mason jar with a ring threadedly coupled to theupper end of the mason jar and securing the circular pouring cap to theupper end of the jar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS Definitions

As used herein, the term “Mason jar” means a translucent or transparentliquid container having a mouth with external threads and a rim, andconfigured to receive a threaded band or ring for tightening down on acap and sealing the jar.

Discussion of Specific Embodiments

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a Mason jar 110 having a two-piece lid120/130. FIG. 1B is an exploded view of an interchangeable pouring cap140 of the present invention, in one embodiment. Corks 150 are shownexploded away from the cap 140.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag 160 as may be used as a packagefor holding the pouring cap 140 and corks 150 of FIG. 1B. Preferably,the bag 160 is a transparent bag. However, it may alternatively befabricated from something more elegant such as velvet.

Together, the components of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 make up a liquiddispensing system, collectively numbered at 100.

The mason jar 110 serves as a liquid container. The liquid is preferablya distilled spirit, but it may alternatively be a juice or othernon-carbonated beverage. The liquid is most preferably a grain-basedspirit containing ethanol. Examples include vodka, bourbon, whisky, andso-called “moonshine” or “white lightnin'.” The alcoholic liquid mayinclude any of a fruit, a spice, a nut, a grain, a charcoal, rum, orother flavoring.

The liquid container 110 has a base 112 and an open upper end 114forming a mouth. The liquid container 110 further has external threads115 at the mouth 114. Preferably, the liquid container 110 is aso-called Mason jar.

The system 100 also has a screw-type ring, or band 130. The ring 130 hasan open interior 135. The ring 130 is configured and dimensioned to bethreadedly fastened or screwed onto the external threads 115 of the jar110.

The system 100 further includes a blank circular cap 120. The cap 120serves as a part of the lid for the Mason jar 110. The cap 120 has acircumferential sealing ring 122 and a solid center 125. The cap 120 hasa diameter dimensioned to enclose the open upper end 114 of the jar 110,and to be sealed between the screw-type ring 130 and the upper end 114.An integral rubber ring on the underside of the blank circular cap 120creates a hermetic seal to the jar.

The system 100 also has a circular pouring cap 140. The pouring cap 140has a circumferential sealing ring 142 and a center 145. The pouring cap140 has at least two through-openings 144 punched through the center 145of the pouring cap 140. In one aspect, the through-openings 144 areformed using a punch press.

The circular pouring cap 140 also has a diameter dimensioned to enclosethe open upper end 114 of the jar 110 and to be sealed between thescrew-type ring 130 and the upper end 114. An integral rubber ring onthe underside of the circular pouring cap 140 creates a hermetic seal tothe jar. In this way, the blank circular cap 120 and the circularpouring cap 140 are interchangeable.

The system 100 further optionally has at least two corks 150. The corks150 are dimensioned to be frictionally received within the respective atleast two through-openings 144. In this way, the through-openings 144are selectively sealed. The corks 150 may be fabricated, for example,from quercus suber or from a synthetic cork. Alternatively, the corks150 may be fabricated from a synthetic elastomeric material.

A method for pouring an alcoholic liquid from a Mason jar is alsoprovided herein.

The method first includes providing a Mason jar. The Mason jar may bedesigned in accordance with fluid container 110 and lid pieces 120/130of FIG. 1A.

The method also includes providing a circular pouring cap. The pouringcap may be designed in accordance with pouring cap 140 described abovein FIG. 1B.

The pouring cap 140 has at least two through-openings 144 punchedthrough the pouring cap 140. It is preferred that the through-openings144 are on opposite sides of the pouring cap 140. Further, thethrough-openings 144 have a diameter that is dimensioned to provide astream of fluid when poured from the jar 110. The diameter is preferably“tuned” to ensure the cleanest stream. For a 750 ml jar, each of thethrough-openings may be between about 0.15 inches (3.81 mm) to 0.30inches (7.62) in diameter but embodiments are not so limited.

It is noted that one through-opening may be designated as a pouring holewhile the other through-opening may serve as an air hole. Further, thepouring cap 140 may use more than one through-opening as pour holes andmore than one through-opening as air holes. In either case, for a 750 mljar, it is preferred that the total area for the pour hole is about 0.05in².

The method further comprises providing corks. The corks may be inaccordance with corks 150 of FIG. 1B. The corks 150 are dimensioned tobe frictionally received within the at least two through-openings forselectively sealing the through-openings 144. The corks 150 are removedfor pouring, and then inserted for storing.

The method also includes placing the circular pouring cap 140 and thecorks 150 into a bag. The bag may be in accordance with illustrative bag160 of FIG. 2. The method then includes providing the bag 160 for theMason jar for retail sale. Preferably, the bag 160 with the circularpouring cap 140 and the corks 150 is attached to the Mason jar forretail sale. Alternatively, the bag 160 with its contents may be offeredseparately as a promotional item or for sale. Preferably, the bag 160will contain brief instructions for the consumer along with brandinginformation.

It is preferred that the Mason jar contains a fluid such as a distilledspirit, or ethanol. The ethanol may have a fruit flavoring added to it.Alternatively, the fluid may be a tea.

In one aspect, the method also includes the steps of:

-   -   unscrewing the screw-type ring from the upper end of the Mason        jar;    -   removing the blank circular cap from the upper end of the Mason        jar;    -   placing the circular pouring cap onto the upper end of the Mason        jar;    -   screwing the screw-type ring onto the upper end of the Mason        jar; and    -   pouring the ethanol from the Mason jar and through one of the        through-openings into a beverage container.

The method may further include drinking the ethanol from the beveragecontainer. Thereafter, the corks may be secured in the through-openingsfor later use.

Under an alternative embodiment, the jar may be sold with the ring 130securing both the cap 120 and the pouring cap 140 to the upper end 114of the jar with the pouring cap 140 lying flush over the cap 120. Underthis embodiment, a user may unscrew the ring 130 from the jar, removethe cap 120 and the pouring cap 140, separate the cap 120 from thepouring cap 140, place the pouring cap 140 back on the upper end 114 ofthe jar, and secure the ring 130 over the pouring cap 140 for dispensingthe contained liquid. Alternatively, the method may include the step offilling the Mason jar with a liquid alcohol fit for human consumption.

While it will be apparent that the inventions herein described are wellcalculated to achieve the benefits and advantages set forth above, itwill be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification,variation and change without departing from the spirit thereof.

1. A liquid dispensing system, comprising: a liquid container having anopen upper end with external threads; a screw-type ring for threadingonto the external threads; a blank circular cap having a diameterdimensioned to enclose the open upper end, and to be sealed between thescrew-type ring and the upper end; and a circular pouring cap having atleast two through-openings punched through the circular pouring cap, thecircular pouring cap also having a diameter dimensioned to enclose theopen upper end and to be sealed between the screw-type ring and theupper end of the liquid container, such that the blank circular cap andthe circular pouring cap are interchangeable.
 2. The liquid dispensingsystem of claim 1, wherein the blank circular cap and the circularpouring cap are removably secured together between the screw-type ringand the upper end of the liquid container.
 3. The liquid dispensingsystem of claim 1, further comprising: at least two corks, with eachcork dimensioned to be frictionally received within a correspondingthrough-opening for selectively sealing the through-openings.
 4. Theliquid dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the liquid container is aMason jar.
 5. The liquid dispensing system of claim 1, wherein thethrough-openings have been formed using a punch press.
 6. The liquiddispensing system of claim 3, wherein the corks are fabricated fromeither quercus suber or synthetic cork.
 7. The liquid dispensing systemof claim 3, wherein the corks are fabricated from a syntheticelastomeric material.
 8. The liquid dispensing system of claim 3,further comprising: a transparent bag for holding the circular pouringcap and the corks, wherein the transparent bag is connected to the Masonjar for retail sale.
 9. The liquid dispensing system of claim 1, whereinthe liquid container contains an alcoholic liquid for human consumption.10. The liquid dispensing system of claim 9, wherein the alcoholicliquid comprises ethanol.
 11. A method for pouring an alcoholic liquidfrom a Mason jar, comprising: providing a Mason jar, the Mason jarhaving an open upper end with external threads, a screw-type ring forthreading onto the external threads, and a blank circular cap having adiameter dimensioned to enclose the open upper end, and to be sealedbetween the screw-type ring and the upper end; providing a circularpouring cap, the pouring cap having at least two through-openingspunched through the circular pouring cap, and having a diameterdimensioned to enclose the open upper end and to be sealed between thescrew-type ring and the upper end of the liquid container, such that theblank circular cap and the circular pouring cap are interchangeable;placing the circular pouring cap into a bag; and providing the bag forthe Mason jar for retail sale.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thethrough-openings have been formed using a punch press.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: providing corks dimensioned to befrictionally received within the at least two through-openings forselectively sealing the through-openings; and placing the corks into thebag before retail sale.
 14. A method for pouring an alcoholic liquidfrom a Mason jar, comprising: providing a Mason jar, the Mason jarhaving an open upper end with external threads, a screw-type ring forthreading onto the external threads, and a blank circular cap having adiameter dimensioned to enclose the open upper end, and to be sealedbetween the screw-type ring and the upper end; providing a circularpouring cap, the pouring cap having at least two through-openingspunched through the circular pouring cap, and having a diameterdimensioned to enclose the open upper end and to be sealed between thescrew-type ring and the upper end of the liquid container, such that theblank circular cap and the circular pouring cap are interchangeable;filling the Mason jar with a liquid alcohol fit for human consumption;removably securing the blank circular cap and the circular pouring captogether between the screw-type ring and the open upper end of the jar;and providing the Mason jar for retail sale.
 15. The method of claim 14,further comprising: providing corks dimensioned to be frictionallyreceived within the at least two through-openings for selectivelysealing the through-openings; and placing the corks into a bag beforeretail sale with the jar.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the corksare fabricated from quercus suber or synthetic cork.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the alcoholic liquid comprises a fruit, spice, nut,grain, charcoal, rum or other flavoring.
 18. The method of claim 15,wherein the bag is attached to the Mason jar for retail sale.
 19. Amethod for consuming an alcoholic liquid, comprising: unscrewing ascrew-type ring from a Mason jar, wherein the Mason jar has an openupper end with external threads, a blank circular cap having a diameterdimensioned to enclose the open upper end, and a circular pouring cap,the pouring cap having at least two through-openings punched through thecircular pouring cap, and having a diameter dimensioned to enclose theopen upper end, and wherein the blank circular cap and the circularpouring cap are removably sealed between the screw-type ring and theupper end of the liquid container; removing the blank circular cap andthe circular pouring cap from the upper end of the Mason jar; separatingthe blank circular cap from the circular pouring cap; placing thecircular pouring cap back onto the upper end of the Mason jar;threadedly replacing the screw-type ring onto the Mason jar; pouring aliquid alcohol fit for human consumption through one of the at least twothrough-openings into a beverage container for drinking; and drinkingthe ethanol from the beverage container.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising: placing a cork into each of the respectivethrough-openings after the pouring, wherein the corks are eachdimensioned to be frictionally received within the at least twothrough-openings